Graduates more likely to be in employment and earn more than non-graduates – new statistics

Universities UK responded today to the latest official statistics on graduate employment and earnings.

The new Graduate Labour Market Statistics show that, in 2017, English-domiciled graduates and postgraduates had higher employment rates than non-graduates and the average, working age graduate earned £10,000 per year more than the average non-graduate.

Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: "These latest figures show that, on average, university graduates continue to earn substantially more than non-graduates and are more likely to be in employment. A university degree remains an excellent investment.

"University graduates are also in increasing demand from employers. The latest annual survey from the Institute of Student Employers revealed that the graduate jobs market is expected to grow this year, with an estimated 11 per cent rise in vacancies.

"While graduate salaries are an important factor, we must be careful to avoid using it as the single measure of success in higher education. Many universities specialise in fields such as the arts, the creative industries, nursing and public sector professions that, despite making an essential contribution to society and the economy, pay less on average."

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